Own transport

Having your own transport means you transport freight for your own company. You do not need a permit to do so. You must, however, be able to demonstrate that you are transporting your own goods. In countries outside the EU, you may sometimes need a journey authorisation.

Transport outside the EU

In most cases, transport outside the EU also requires a journey authorisation or an ECMT permit in addition to a Euro licence. With an ECMT permit, you can transport goods from, to and via countries that are party to the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) agreement, provided you comply with the ECMT’s emission and safety requirements.

Cabotage

If a transport company from an EU member state transports goods between 2 points within the borders of another Member State, this will constitute cabotage. Carriers may undertake no more than 3 cabotage trips in another country. After that, they have to cross the border again. In the Netherlands, the Human Environment and Transport InspectorateExternal link (Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport, ILT) enforces this rule.

ATP test for refrigerator trucks

If you plan to transport perishable goods abroad using an insulated refrigerated vehicle, a so-called ATP testExternal link (pdf, in Dutch) carried out by RDW is compulsory. Following this inspection an ATP certificate is issued .